ahead of

Definition of ahead ofnext
1
as in before
earlier than always arrives at school ahead of the bus we were cautioned not to fill out any of the test answers ahead of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in in advance of
preceding in space the three lost children emerged from the forest, with the family dog walking proudly ahead of them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ahead of After two seasons at Holmes Community College in Mississippi, Bell transferred to Miami ahead of the 2024 season and immediately pushed to become a contributor. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 The event included the greeting of heads of delegation and the traditional family photo, ahead of the start of the leadersâ meeting. Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 The petition alleged, in part, that McFadden threatened Cunningham ahead of the veto vote. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026 Jaime Pressly's eldest son Dezi (with ex Eric Cubiche) gave the thumbs up for mom to jump in for a photo ahead of his senior prom in 2025. Lindy Segal, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • Minaj will attend as a guest of Fox News, which is also throwing its own VIP party before Saturday's official dinner, Fox confirmed to USA TODAY.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Several days before the draft, McVay and Snead described their connection.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • There was no discussion or comment prior to the 7-2 vote, with council members Steve Thoren and Rose Martinez abstaining.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • History belies that interpretation, as prior to the amendment, common law prevailed and all (except Blacks, Amerindians and offspring of diplomats) were regarded as citizens at birth (one of the unenumerated rights of the Ninth Amendment).
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • The evidence relating to these crimes was of special interest, given that Kirwan’s murder and Gately’s surveillance are also part of the charge against Kinahan.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • On a cool Wednesday night outside Wintrust Arena, the air had a different feel upon entry to the venue for the Chicago Sky’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Seeking offense, New York plans to designate Tommy Pham for assignment and has agreed to a major league contract with Austin Slater, a pair of people familiar with the move said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decisions were not announced.
    Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • So Rantanen’s somewhat blasé attitude following Saturday’s wrenching Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Wild — losing the lead with barely five minutes to go on Marcus Foligno’s equalizer, then losing the game in overtime on Matt Boldy’s deflection — was at least well earned.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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